Fines for Criminal Offenses
If you are exposed to a criminal fine, your best chance of avoiding them is representation by the best attorney you can find. Our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, is highly experienced in defending all types of criminal charges in NJ. In fact, fines resulting from a conviction for a criminal offense are often avoided altogether as a result of the efforts of the lawyers on our team. Our former prosecutors and defense attorneys are ready to put their over 100 years of collective experience to work for you so that a fine is not imposed against you. If you have questions or require representation for an offense in Monmouth County, Union County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, Passaic County, Morris County, Hudson County, Essex County, Bergen County, or elsewhere in New Jersey, an attorney is ready to assist you at 855-450-8310. We hope the information regarding Fines and Assessments assists you and please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information.
Criminal Charges: Amount of Fine
The amount of monetary fines provided for under New Jersey law are predicated on the Grade of Offense to which an individual is sentenced. The maximum amount that may be levied grows with severity of a charge.
Indictable Charges
The monetary limits for first-degree, second-degree, third-degree and fourth-degree offenses set forth under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 are as follows:
- $200,000.00 for a crime of the first degree;
- $150,000.00 for a crime of the second degree;
- $15,000.00 upon conviction for a third-degree crime, except drug offenses which carry a maximum of $35,000;
- $10,000.00 for a fourth-degree crime.
Disorderly Persons Offenses
N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3(c) and (d) authorizes a court to impose a fine of up to $1,000 upon conviction for a disorderly persons offense and $500 for a petty disorderly persons offense.
Other Mandatory Assessments & Penalties
Whenever an individual is convicted of a crime or disorderly persons offense, they are subject to a Victim of Crime Compensation Board (“VCCA” or “VCCB”) assessment in the amount of $100 and a Safe Neighborhood Service Fund Assessment of $75. Where the conviction involves drug possession, distribution of drugs, or a paraphernalia charge, a Drug Enforcement & Demand Reduction Penalty (“DEDR”) is mandatory. This assessment escalates depending on the severity of the related drug charge, with $500 levied for a disorderly persons offense, $750 for a fourth-degree crime, $1,000 for a third-degree crime, $2,000 for a second-degree crime and $3,000 for a first-degree crime. This penalty does not apply to a conviction for conspiracy to possess or distribute controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”).
An attorney at our law office is available 24/7 for a free initial consultation and to help lead you through the NJ criminal system. Reach a lawyer now at 855-450-8310 to discuss your case in Bergen County, Passaic County, Morris County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlsex County, Hudson County or Essex County.
